HTC offers information about Android 4.1 updates

HTC started the roll-out of Android 4.1 for the One X in Asia last month, and since then many people have been wondering why their device hasn’t been upgraded yet. HTC posted some insight into the upgrade process on their website in the form of a FAQ page.

After internal testing, we test the software on live networks in order to confirm the experience matches our expectations, and carrier expectations, for performance, connectivity and platform stability. While testing takes time, we’re working quickly with our carrier partners to rollout these updates. We’ll provide information on availability once the software is ready for release.

Even once a software update begins to roll out from HTC or a carrier partner, the update can take up to 45 days from the initial push to reach each person with that device on a given network.

In addition to the One X and One S, HTC say that there is a possibility that their older devices will receive Jelly Bean, but their 2012 lineup will take priority.

Importantly to those of you who might have bought the lower-end phones, the One V and Desire C, these devices will not receive Jelly Bean. HTC’s general policy is that devices with 512 MB RAM or less will not be upgraded past their current version of Android.

HTC also point out the often-overlooked fact that even though a device may not be updated to the latest version of Android, it does not mean that it is left in the gutter to die. HTC still will provide software improvements, security fixes and technical support to the devices that don’t meet their requirements for Jelly Bean.